Santa Cruz (Disembarkation) – Baltra – Guayaquil

Itinerary

DAY

LOCATION(S)

HOTEL

MEALS

DESCRIPTION

Day 1

Manaus, Brazil

None

None

ARRIVE MANAUS, BRAZIL. Arrive in Manaus this afternoon, then meet for a private city SIGHTSEEING to view the vestiges of Manaus’ glory days during the rubber boom. Your first stop will be the famous OPERA HOUSE, built in 1896 with materials imported from Europe. Next, visit a bustling local market filled with regional foods and wares.

Day 2

Manaus – Amazon Jungle

None

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

MANAUS–AMAZON JUNGLE. Today your “Meeting of the Waters” CRUISE passes by the impressive British-built Custom House and the floating port. Cruise along the chocolate-colored Rio Negro to its confluence with the yellow-gray Rio Solimões, where the two rivers form the mighty Amazon. For four miles the differently colored bodies of water flow side by side and never mix! After lunch on the river, explore a JUNGLE ISLAND (if water levels permit) with fascinating native flora and fauna. Later this afternoon, arrive at the Ecopark Jungle Lodge on the banks of the Rio Negro inside the Amazonian rainforest. (B,L,D)

Day 3

TBD

None

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

AMAZON JUNGLE. Accompanied by a Naturalist, enjoy a guided JUNGLE WALK that introduces you to the flora and fauna that thrives in the Amazon. After lunch, sail up the river to visit a Caboclo’s native Amazon VILLAGE to learn about their traditions, costumes, and culture. Also try your hand at piranha fishing! Later, visit the MONKEY JUNGLE RESERVE, where researchers work to rehabilitate captive primates and reintroduce them to the jungle. Here, you have the opportunity to see a feeding of spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, woolly monkeys, and capuchin monkeys. This evening, maybe venture back out with your Naturalist via canoe into the flooded forest to appreciate the sounds of the jungle at night. Keep watch for small alligators (and other night creatures)! (B,L,D)

Day 4

Amazon Jungle – Rio De Janeiro

None

Breakfast

AMAZON JUNGLE–RIO DE JANEIRO. This morning, depart your Amazon lodge for a flight to fabulous Rio. Welcome to South America’s capital of glamour—Rio de Janeiro! Your Local Host will be available with suggested activities during your free time. (B)

Day 5

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

None

Breakfast

RIO DE JANEIRO. Today, a private tour takes you to the Cosme Velho district, where you board a cog-wheel train that will take you through the lush tropical vegetation of Tijuca Forest to the top of CORCOVADO Mountain. This rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay below is one of the new Seven Modern Wonders of the World and home to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, which affords sweeping views of the city and beaches below. The afternoon and evening are at leisure. (B)

Day 6

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

None

Breakfast

RIO DE JANEIRO. Enjoy a full day at leisure. Your Local Host will suggest an optional Jeep tour to the rainforest in the middle of the city, Tijuca National Park and its bird sanctuary. This afternoon you may elect to discover historic Petropolis, a mountain resort and site of the former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II, or take an optional excursion to visit the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain. (B)

Day 7

Rio – Iguassu Falls

None

Breakfast

RIO–IGUASSU FALLS. Fly to IGUASSU FALLS. This masterpiece of nature encompasses 275 separate falls and spans almost two miles. This afternoon’s private tour is dedicated to enjoying the spectacle of this 2-mile-wide torrential downpour from the Brazilian side. (B)

Day 8

Iguassu Falls, Brazil

None

Breakfast

IGUASSU FALLS. This morning, take the ECOLOGICAL JUNGLE TRAIN and tour the Argentine side of IGUASSU FALLS with numerous walkways that wind under the crashing water. (B)

Day 9

TBD

None

Breakfast

IGUASSU FALLS–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA. Fly to Buenos Aires, proud capital of the vast country that occupies most of the southern part of the continent. After arriving at your central hotel you will have time to become acquainted with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards and outdoor cafés. Enjoy an evening at leisure. (B)

Day 10

Buenos Aires, Argentina

None

Breakfast

BUENOS AIRES. A private sightseeing TOUR this morning starts in the colorful La Boca district, site of the city’s first port. Take a short walking tour of this unique neighborhood, then on to San Telmo, famous for its late-colonial buildings and a popular gathering spot for artists. At the Plaza de Mayo, see La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House) and the Metropolitan Cathedral, which houses San Martin’s Mausoleum. Drive past the ornate Colon Opera House before reaching the CEMETERY of the Recoleta, burial site of Eva Peron. This evening, perhaps savor the city’s atmosphere on an optional dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a performance of Latin America’s most sensuous dance—the Tango! (B)

Day 11

Buenos Aires, Argentina

None

Breakfast

BUENOS AIRES. Today is at leisure. Your Local Host will suggest an optional excursion to the Pampas. Experience Argentine country life as you visit an estancia (ranch). Get acquainted with the lifestyle of the gauchos and enjoy a barbecue lunch and the warm hospitality of your hosts before returning to the city. (B)

Day 12

TBD

None

Breakfast

BUENOS AIRES–LIMA, PERU. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima, where you will be met by your Local Host. (B)

Day 13

Lima, Peru

None

Breakfast

LIMA. Your included city TOUR focuses on Lima’s rich colonial history as well as the modern city. Lima was the bastion of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the independence of the South American republics in the early 19th century. See the Cathedral, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro are sealed in a wooden coffin and with its eerie burial crypts. (B)

Day 14

Lima – Cusco

None

Breakfast

LIMA–CUSCO. Fly to Cusco high in the Andes. Your guided TOUR visits the Santo Domingo MONASTERY, previously the Koricancha Temple, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. It is said it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. In the Plaza de Armas, see the Cathedral before taking a short drive outside the city to the ruins of SACSAYHUAMAN with its intricate stone walls, amphitheatre of KENKO, and the Red Fortress of PUCA PUCARA. (B)

Day 15

Cusco – Sacred Valley

None

Breakfast, Lunch

CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY. Today, a short drive into the Sacred Valley of the Incas brings you to AWANAKANCHA, where you will learn about the importance of the alpaca (llama) for Inca cultures as well as the ancient weaving techniques. Continue, to the market town of PISAC. Handmade rugs, alpaca sweaters, and jewelry can be bought here at bargain prices. At the other end of the valley is OLLANTAYTAMBO. Here, some of the finest examples of Inca masonry can be seen. (B,L)

Day 16

Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu

None

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU. Board a TRAIN bound for MACHU PICCHU and cut a path through the Sacred Valley to this “Lost City of the Incas,” discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. On a guided TOUR, explore this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. For hikers, a brisk one-hour walk leads to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas. (B,L,D)

Day 17

Machu Picchu – Cusco

None

Breakfast

MACHU PICCHU–CUSCO. A morning at leisure allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over MACHU PICCHU with your second included entrance to the ruins. Return to Cusco, where your Local Host will recommend options for your free time. Perhaps visit the Inca Museum or wander through the artisan district of San Blas. (B)

Day 18

Cusco – Lima

None

Breakfast

CUSCO–LIMA. Fly to Lima, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Day 19

TBD

None

Breakfast

LIMA–QUITO, ECUADOR. Fly to Quito, where you will be met by your Local Host. (B)

Day 20

Quito, Ecuador

None

Breakfast

QUITO. Your included PRIVATE CITY TOUR showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and, later, the Spaniards. See Independence Square dominated by its formidable Cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the BASILICA with its marvelous stained-glass windows. (B)

Day 21

Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador

None

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

QUITO–BALTRA (EMBARKATION)–GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND. Fly to the Galápagos Islands and board the Santa Cruz II. Visit Las Bachas on SANTA CRUZ ISLAND, an important nesting area for the East Pacific green sea turtle. See brackish lagoons just steps away from the sea, a feeding ground for various wading birds—from stilts to flamingos. (B,L,D)

Day 22

Santiago Island, Ecuador

None

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

CRUISING: SANTIAGO ISLAND. Arrive at Buccaneer Cove on SANTIAGO ISLAND to explore the dramatic coastline inhabited by a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel and take a ride on the panga or the glass-bottom boat. Later, at Puerto Egas, known for its black-sand beach, tuff-stone layers and lava flows, see land and marine birds, as well as a colony of fur sea lions, marine iguanas, and marine turtles. (B,L,D)

Day 23

Rabida Island, Ecuador

None

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

CRUISING: RÁBIDA & BARTOLOMÉ ISLANDS. On RÁBIDA ISLAND with its red-colored beach, caused by the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material, your Naturalist points out large colonies of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and several species of Darwin’s finches. Very close to the beach, a salt pond occasionally hosts American flamingos. Snorkel from the beach to see the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. At BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND, hike to the summit for a stunning view of Pinnacle Rock. Take a snorkel or a ride on the glass-bottom boat and possibly see Galápagos penguins in tropical waters! (B,L,D)

Day 24

Genovesa Island, Ecuador

None

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

CRUISING: GENOVESA ISLAND. On GENOVESA ISLAND, take a walk up Prince Phillip’s Steps as your Naturalist reveals large colonies of masked boobies, blue and red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, storm petrels, and short-eared owls. In the afternoon, disembark on a beautiful beach at Darwin Bay to observe frigatebirds, red-footed and masked boobies, herons, finches, and mockingbirds. Return to the beach for snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. (B,L,D)

Day 25

Santa Cruz (Disembarkation) – Baltra – Guayaquil

None

Breakfast

CRUISING: SANTA CRUZ (DISEMBARKATION)–BALTRA–GUAYAQUIL. Disembark at the north shore of SANTA CRUZ ISLAND for a visit to a TORTOISE RESERVE in the highlands. Here, you will see and learn about the Giant Galápagos Tortoises living in the wild and what is being done to help preserve these ancient creatures. Later, fly to Guayaquil. (B)

Tour Features

Experience(s)

Experiences have not been selected at this time

Description

26 Days, featuring: Buenos Aires

About Us

There are good ways and not-so-good ways to see and experience the world. At Monograms, we’re focused on the “good ways.” Our team is dedicated to making travel simple, so you’re free to enjoy the sights and wonders that make your vacation memorable and carefree.
Imagine traveling to Paris. While others will be stuck, staring at maps and train schedules, you will be staring at the Eiffel Tower, because you bought an all-in-one vacation package from Monograms. Our travel experts will choose great hotels for you, in the heart of your destination. We’ll arrange transportation for you from the airport, to your hotel and in between cities. Also, we’ll introduce you to an on-site Local Host, who will help arrange special outings, provide recommendations or steer you off the beaten path. Monograms will help you make the most of your journey. Plus, we’ll give you a half-day sightseeing tour to help you get more familiar with your destination. And we’ll get you to the front-of-lines with VIP access to must-see sights and landmarks, so you have more time venturing out and getting lost in the City of Light.
Meanwhile, someone else will just be getting lost and wishing they had booked with Monograms.
Monograms takes care of the hassles when you travel so all you have to do is enjoy - the culture, the people, the place.
Because vacations themselves don’t make you happy. How you vacation does.
That’s the Monograms difference.

Reviews and Recommendations for Monograms - a division of Globus Family of Brands

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Recommended

Excellent service

By: Ace of diamonds

Reviewed on: 04 Apr 2014

Our trip was extremely enjoyable, our local host was the bomb! Thank you Stephane! Paris would not have made as much sence with out him. If I was forced to find somthing that needed to improve, it was that American Airlines needed to update their old transcontinental aircraft.

Recommended

Best of Both

By: Navidad

Reviewed on: 25 Jun 2014

This tour company gave us the best of both worlds. Group tours AND the freedom of choosing what we wanted to do as well. We were welcomed by globus at the airports and connected to the places we were going so we were never confused. The tours they provided in both London & Paris each hit the major highlights of the cities and were very informative There were globus agents in the lobbies of our hotels so if we wanted to book additional tours or need advise or even a connection to a restaurant or site (without a tour involved) they were able to help.

Highly Recommended

By: Kathleen

Reviewed on: 23 Jun 2014

I recently took a monograms vacation to Peru. I was impressed at every stage of the trip. Ms. Kim Schneider did a fantastic job finding the right travel Package for me and was readily available to answer any questions with her expert travel knowledge. I was also impressed with the monogram team in Peru. The guides were friendly and knowledgable and the hotels were excellent. I plan to book future trips with Ms. Schneider using Virtuoso/Monograms.

Awesome Service

By: KC_India2015

Reviewed on: 12 Feb 2015

Our adventure was India and in such a crazy wonderful place it is great to have such personal service. The drivers were just awesome, local hosts and guides friendly and knowledgeable. It was comforting to have on hand when you are in such a place that is just a little out of your comfort zone. We were given great advice on how to maneuver through the crowds and shop keepers.

Reviewed on: 17 Oct 2016

Monogram

By: Becky

Reviewed on: 05 May 2017

Monograms was a wonderful source for our trip. Even if they were not part of our guide for a tour, they helped us with where we had to go, what time to be there, etc. went above and beyond the call of duty. Gave us phone numbers to reach them if we needed help.

London or River cruise?

By: L&K

Reviewed on: 12 May 2017

Monograms for our separate London trip before our Avalon River cruise was OK, but not terrific. We didn't know about all of the London excursions we could have booked through Monograms, and the hotel was not great (rooms were dark, lighting was very confusing, there was a small amount of mold in the shower, and the conversion electric outlet had to be replaced).
River cruise was good, but we don't think Monograms had any role in that.

Very good with one reservation

By: Farm girl

Reviewed on: 21 May 2017

The attention paid by the Monograms staff was very good. We enjoyed our tours. Our plane arrived late so our Monograms representative gave us a private tour the next day. We had one problem. When we were bumped off our flight and had to take another one I followed all of the directions that were in the Monograms booklet to alert them to the change and arrange for transport from the airport to the hotel. We were assured that someone would be there to pick us up. When we arrived at the airport no one was there to pick us up. I called the hotel and they contacted the Monograms representative. She had not been informed. We had to take a cab for which we have not been reimbursed. Transport from the airport to our hotel was included in the package. We should not have to pay for it. They need to get a better emergency service.

Monograms Tours

By: Penny

Reviewed on: 26 Jun 2017

I highly recommend Monograms as a travel company. We were met at the airport upon our arrival and transported to our starting point hotel. We were taken to each train station in a timely manner, guided onto the proper train, and met in each city by another Monograms agent. Our local hosts were marvelous, always available to help us along each leg of our trip. The excursions provided by this company were all top notch as well. They were led by professional drivers and local guides, well worth their addition to our trip.